ALL the money raised from the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Stamp is set to flow back to the West Coast to fund salmon conservation, according to a release from the Pacific Salmon Foundation.
That means approximately $1 million in extra funding for the PSF, according to Brian Riddell, who serves as communications officer for the volunteer agency.
The 2013 federal budget has earmarked 100 per cent of user fees from the stamp sales be allocated to the PSF. The stamps are mandatory for the tidal water licence of every angler hoping to reel in any species of salmon.
While the funds fluctuate depending on the market, the stamps generally bring in between $1.3 million and $1.4 million a year, according to Riddell.
"We're currently seeing about $350,000 that was coming out of the past agreement," Riddell said.
The fisheries investment will help commercial and recreational fishers, as well as conservationists, according to Riddell.
The funding is critical, according to Riddell, who said every $1 granted from the stamp program turns into $7 through local fundraising.
Riddell singled out North Vancouver MP Andrew Saxton for championing the proposal.
Since 1996, the foundation has received $1 from the sale of each adult stamp and $4 from each stamp bought by a fisherman under 16.
The PSF has been producing the stamps in partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada since 1989.
